Constipation, Nausea, Gas Flashcards
What is the Rome III criteria for constipation?
At least 12 weeks in a 6 month span of at least 2 of:
- straining
- lumpy or hard stool
- sensation of incomplete evacuation
- sensation of anal blockage
- manual maneuvers to remove feces
- <3 BMs / week
What is an emergent secondary cause of constipation.
Colorectal cancer
new onset in elderly, anemia, hematochezia, unexplained weight loss
How does Hemochromatosis cause constipation?
Increased iron stores are linked to slow GI motility especially in the colon.
How does dyssynergistic constipation occur?
Lack of neurological coordination between the rectum contracting and the external anal sphincter relaxing.
Two methods to evaluate colonic and rectal function.
- FECOM: balloon expulsion test
2. Manometry
Test to evaluate possible slow transit constipation.
Sitz-Marker Study
What is the first line approach to treating constipation?
Lifestyle changes: exercise, increase fluid and fiber intake
What is biofeedback therapy?
Yoga for the GI tract: improves motility and control over pelvic floor muscles.
Common complication of retching in patients with nausea.
Mallory Weiss Tear
What is the first test that should be run in a female that presents with nausea?
hCG levels
What 4 things should be suspected in patients with undigested food vomited up 4-6 hrs. after eating?
- Pyloric Obstruction
- Gastroparesis
- Zenker Diverticula
- Achalasia
What is suspected when a patient feels relief of abdominal pain with vomiting?
Peptic Ulcer Disease
What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
Repeated, unpredictable, explosive, and unexplained bouts of vomiting with a cessation of symptoms in between episodes.
Treatment of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.
Nothing definitive
-behavioral modification, psych assistance
How is gastroparesis defined and diagnosed?
Def: slowed gastric emptying w/o obstruction
Dx: radioisotope motility test, solid-phase gastric empting < 50% at 4 hours is diagnostic
